Harry and Hermione had decided to make their lunch meetings a regular thing until the new school year started. Hermione was getting ready to leave her room at Hogwarts. She rubbed her arms as the ache in them intensified. Her whole body was sore and tired. Her head hurt as well. With each passing minute it seemed the hammer in her brain got louder and more painful. This had happened last week too, though it hadn't been as bad. Last week she had started her day feeling tired and as the day wore closer to the time to see Harry she suddenly had experienced pain in her joints and cramping in her stomach. Hermione thought back to that lunch. She had put a smile on her face and greeted Harry with a friendly hug. When Harry had taken her hand to lead her to the bench outside the tea shop she had immediately felt her body relax and the pain had disappeared. It was rather odd but she figured it had been a passing upset stomach or a bout of fatigue. This week the pain had increased and it had come on rather suddenly. She was contemplating telling Harry she wasn't feeling up to lunch. What was wrong with her? Flu maybe? She didn't have a fever. Was there something about seeing Harry that made her body a bundle of nerves? No, that didn't seem right. She was definitely excited to see him and she couldn't deny her heart rate did tend to increase a bit when he looked at her a certain way. It was nothing to cause this kind of painful reaction. And why wasn't the pain potion she had taken twenty minutes ago kicked in yet? She was too tired to ponder these things at the moment. Hermione took note of her tired eyes and applied a bit more makeup. She put gloss on her lips and taking a deep breath to ease the tension in her body, she exited her room and began the walk to Hogsmead.

By the time Hermione got to the park that Harry had specified, she felt quite exhausted and closed her eyes for a moment to pull magic from her core, wrapping it around herself in an attempt to ease the growing fire in her muscles. She drew a breath and opened her eyes to scan the park. She found Harry sitting on a blanket in the grass with a big picnic basket. She waved at him and walked slowly toward him, choking back a grimace.

Harry rose as Hermione approached. Right away Harry could tell there was something wrong. Hermione was moving slowly, almost cautiously and while she smiled at him, her eyes were not a light with joy as they usually were. She was too pale. He reached to embrace her in a hug. "Are you alright Hermione? You look a bit pale." He watched her as she stepped back and gave him a tired grin.

"I'm just a bit tired. I've had a headache all day and for some reason the pain potion I took isn't quite kicking it. I'll be fine." She gave him a reassuring smile. She had hoped that his hug would somehow relieve her suffering. She was well aware that it was a naïve and foolish thing to wish for. She stiffly sat on the blanket and tried to get comfortable. "A picnic? How nice! The weather is perfect."

Harry continued to watch her and couldn't keep the worry out of his expression. Why was she moving so stiffly? "I thought you might enjoy getting outside after spending so much time behind those stone walls."

"It's perfect. Thank you." Hermione said. "What's in the basket?"

Harry sat next to her and shrugged, "Just an assortment of little things I picked up from a shop down the road from Grimmauld Place." Harry moved to open the basket and take out a couple of glasses and some juice. "Hermione, are you sure you're alright?"

Hermione bit her lip and said, "I may just be coming down with the flu. I'm just a bit achy. Please don't worry."

Harry poured her a glass of sparkling apple juice and handed it to her. She seemed tense. He wished he could help her relax. They talked about his training and how progress was going on the towers at the castle as they ate a few sandwiches. Harry observed that Hermione only nibbled on things and got quieter as the hour wore on. She kept shifting around as if she couldn't find a comfortable way to sit on the soft grass. "You look worn out," Harry commented.

Hermione sighed, "I confess that I am. I'm sorry if I've been poor company today."

It was a sure sign she was not herself that she didn't come back with a cutting or playful remark about him having just commented on her appearance in a negative way. This only caused Harry more concern. He scooted closer to her and said, "Time with you could never be poor Hermione. I just wish I could help you feel better. You seem so tense."

"You're not wrong. My muscles feel tight and slightly shaky. My head feels about ready to explode to be honest." Hermione quietly confessed.

Harry moved around behind her and said softly, "Do you mind if I try something? I used to get really bad headaches after Voldemort would attack my mind. I found that massaging my temples sometimes helped me relax a bit."

Hermione bit her lip. Her heart had done a dance at his nearness and his soft voice behind her. She took a deep, steadying breath. She was struggling to keep the deep ache in her body at a tolerable level and she nodded slowly and said, "Ok. Let's try it. What do I do?"

"Just close your eyes." Harry moved closer to her back and reached his hands around her head. He pushed her hair back a bit and let his fingers push into her curls to find the soft spots on either side of her head. The moment he touched her skin and began his slow circles he felt her exhale and her body sagged. "You can lean back against me if you like." Harry offered. He knew she was tired and he tried to tell himself his offer was merely to help her feel better and more at ease. Never mind that he was enjoying the softness of her curls and the warmth of her body against him. That was just because he cared for her. Of course he did. She was his best friend and she was in pain. He was just helping after all.

Against her will, Hermione felt her body lean back against Harry. The pain had suddenly let up and she was able to let her magic drop. She breathed a clear breath for the first time all day. Harry's hands provided a gentle pressure and the rhythm of the circular movement was numbing her brain. She wasn't sure how much time had passed before she felt Harry shift under her and his hands dropped away from her head as his voice reached her. "Are you feeling any better?"

Hermione sat up and sighed deeply, "Harry, you're a miracle worker. I feel ten times better. Thank you. I think I may have drifted off for a minute or two. What time is it?"

"I'm glad it helped. You seemed pretty relaxed. I'll have to remember that technique if I ever need you to agree to do something for me." Harry teased. He was rewarded by Hermione laughing at him while giving him a playful hit on the arm. He continued, "It's almost 1pm. I need to get back."

"Oh, my goodness, I need to go too. I'm so sorry to have kept you." Hermione said as she rose and helped to fold the picnic blanket.

"It's fine. It was a nice little get away. Let me know what you'd like to do next week. I'll see if I can talk Ron into coming." Harry ventured. "Unless, of course you'd rather I didn't."

Hermione shook her head, "No, that would be lovely. It would be good to see him again and get our friendship back on steady ground. How is he?"

Harry took the blanket from her and swung it over the arm holding the picnic basket. "He's good. As predicted he has his eye on one of the other trainees. Allison is her name. I don't know her really well but she seems nice. I guess we'll see."

"I'm glad he is moving on. Do invite him." Hermione paused for a moment as they walked back toward the main road. She had started feeling a bit guilty about her time with Harry. It was only for an hour or so a week but their time somehow felt a bit… intimate. Maybe it was just that she knew Harry was Ginny's boyfriend and wasn't sure if spending time alone with him would upset things. "Harry, is Ginny alright with us meeting like this? I mean, I just… Not that it's a problem for me but she is your girlfriend and I am not sure I would be quite alright with my boyfriend meeting up alone with another girl even if that girl was classified as just a friend. I'd hate to cause more of a rift between you two. I know from what you've said things are a bit rough right now. I don't want to make it harder."

Harry had to let out a slight chuckle at that. Count on Hermione to make sure things were properly done. Harry had mentioned casually to Ginny that he had spent some time with Hermione. He had not gone into what they had talked about or that it was now a regular thing. Harry should perhaps have felt guilty about that, but he didn't. He did feel a bit guilty for how his heart seemed to uncontrollably jump when he saw Hermione arrive each week, and how his skin tingled when he happened to touch her. Harry decided the truth would be a good way to reassure Hermione that any problems he might be having in his relationship with Ginny had nothing to do with her. "You don't need to worry about that Hermione. I've mentioned my time with you and she didn't seem concerned. If there is a rift between us it has nothing to do with you."

Hermione wrinkled her brow in concern, "Alright. You're still trying to talk to her about things right? Communication is really important Harry."

Harry sighed, "I suppose. I'll figure it out. We both will. I don't want to worry you about it. I'm glad you're feeling a bit better. You should get some rest. Maybe go see Madam Pomfrey for a new batch of pain potion. Perhaps yours is expired."

"Thanks Harry. I do feel tons better. I'll let you know about next week. Let me know if Ron can come. I'll see you later then. Good luck with dueling. Try not to beat Ron too badly." Hermione smiled devilishly.

Harry was glad to see the spark back in her eyes. "I'll try. Although he's improved a ton. He's quite fast now. I may have trouble keeping up actually."

Hermione looked a bit surprised by his confession. "Well, I'm glad you have a bit of a challenge then. It wouldn't do for you to grow too comfortable." She gave him a teasing smile.

Harry beamed at her, "See you later Hermione."

"Bye Harry. Thanks again." Hermione waved to him before turning and continuing her journey up the hill toward the Castle.

Harry watched her for a moment. Was he making sure she was moving normally and was actually feeling better? Yes, yes he was. Never mind that watching her hips sway and her hair fly in the breeze was a tantalizing sight for his brain. That was just nonsense. Most girls look good when they walk with a sway and have their hair flying behind them. Don't they? Instead of pondering it, Harry quickly apparated back to the Ministry to prepare for his next training session.

Thirty minutes later, Harry was back in the training room dueling Ron. Harry always felt lighter after talking to Hermione. Among their conversation that afternoon, he had told her about his latest discussion with Ginny and how it had not gone well. Ginny had been quick to be defensive and twist his words. He didn't want to hurt her. He cared about her a lot. But the longer he was with her the more uptight he was beginning to feel. Harry didn't like feeling as if everything out of his mouth was going to produce the wrong reaction. He had confided in Ron on a small level but since Ginny was his sister he wasn't sure how open he should be. Out of breath from the last round of defensive spells used to hold Ron at bay, he placed his hands on his knees and inhaled deeply. Ron wiped the sweat from his forehead and headed toward him grinning. "Damn it Harry, I can't seem to get through that flex shield."

Harry grinned, "Damn good thing too or I'd be a splat on the wall from that last shot. When did you get so fast?"

Ron chuckled good naturedly as he slapped Harry on the back. "Practice my friend. Still, I appreciate the praise. It isn't easy having to duel the Savior of the Wizarding world."

Harry rolled his eyes just as Ron knew he would. "I'm sure it's hard on your ego."

Ron chuckled, "Damn right. That's why I'm not taking it easy on you. Still, Harry, you really are amazingly good with that wand. Why don't you attack more though? It seems your strategy is always defensive. I am pretty sure you could knock me off my ass if you really tried."

Harry smiled and said, "Oh, for sure! But you are fast and it would open me up to possibly getting hit by something. I need to figure out a way to hold my shield and blast you at the same time. When I do, you'll be the first I'll try it on." Harry gave him a friendly hand shake.

Ron gave his friend an appraising look, "You look like hell mate. What's up? Nightmares again?"

Harry punched him in the arm and teased, "You don't look too good yourself. You smell even worse." Ron just shrugged and shook his head in agreement as if the fact somehow made him a man. Harry had to smile. Ron had grown up quite a bit the last few months. Training had toned him and bulked him up a bit. He wasn't the tall awkward kid anymore. He looked confident and solid. Harry could tell Ron was in his element. He seemed to be learning faster than Harry could ever remember him learning in school. Maybe it was the practical application that training provided. They were doing things. They didn't read or study from books very often. If they needed to learn to be quiet and sneak around then that's what the training session was designed for. They got hands on experience and immediate feedback. Ron seemed to thrive on that. Harry sighed and said, "I'm fine Ron. A bit tired maybe but it's not nightmares."

Ron scrutinized him for a moment. "Must be my sister then."

Harry was a bit taken back by that intuitive comment. He gave Ron a surprised look. Ron just shrugged again and replied, "You just saw Hermione and that can't be a bad thing, you enjoy training and just about beat me-"

"I did beat you," Harry interrupted.

Ron continued as if he didn't hear, "So, the only other thing that could make you upset would be Ginny. Not that I blame you. I know she can be a trial." Ron laughed lightly.

Harry gave Ron a little chuckle and admitted, "Sometimes."

Ron replied, "Look Harry, I know you guys have been dating for like 7 months now or something. I also know from hanging out with you guys and from the little you've shared that things aren't always great. I love my sister Harry. And if you hurt her I'll have to punch you on principle. But you and she also deserve to be happy. It's not just you either. Ginny doesn't quite seem herself either these days. Maybe you two need to talk."

"I have talked Ron!" Harry was a bit exasperated, "Goodness, I've tried over and over again to talk. She just doesn't seem to want to listen or want to hear me. I'm not…I hate fighting with her but every time I turn around I feel like she's got me in a corner. It's not that I don't love her, I just…I don't want to hurt her. But I'm not sure…"

"Look Harry, it's not my place. I obviously don't want you two to have a falling out. I don't want you to break her heart or anything. But, I also don't want you or she to settle just because it feels like the whole world expects you to be together. I mean, everyone including me thought that Hermione and I would be together til death do us part. Well, it turns out both of us are happier just being friends. It was a hard thing to come to terms with at first. But I think you and I can both agree it was for the best. You need to do what's best for you too."

Harry just sort of stared at him, "Um, wait a minute. When did you get all mature and stuff?"

Ron just smiled and lifting his head and striking a manly pose said, "I always was smarter than you or Hermione gave me credit for. I can be serious on occasion."

Harry burst out laughing at how ridiculous he was. "So, you're giving me permission to break up with your own sister?"

Ron stilled for a moment then said, "Mate, that's your business. Honestly, I don't want to be on the receiving end of Ginny's temper. So, good luck with that. I'll be your friend still no matter what. But break her heart and I will have to punch you. On principle."

"Fair enough," Harry conceded.

"So, how is Hermione?" Ron asked as they headed to the locker room to change.

"She's great! She is really excited to start the school year and be an apprentice. She seems in her element." Harry added, "Though she did seem a bit under the weather today."

"Maybe she's getting the flu. It's been going around. Allison had it last week." Ron said.

Harry replied off handedly, "Yeah, maybe. That's what she said too."

"See? Hermione always knows what she's talking about." Ron said.

"Hey, Why don't you come with me next week and we can all hang out?"

"You don't think it will make her upset? That it would be weird?" Ron asked.

"No. It's not going to be awkward unless you make it that way Ron. It would be nice for all three of us to be together again. You are still friends right?" Harry said as he threw a towel at Ron's head.

"Yeah, of course. Alright, that would be nice. I might just do that." Ron supplied.